Xbox Live Wednesday returns this week with a doubleheader: Q? Entertainment's …

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After a few weeks of lonesome solo game releases, another double header is upon us on the Xbox Live Arcade asMeteos Wars and Powerup Forever have hit Microsoft's downloadable platform. Q? Entertainment fans may recognize the name from the acclaimed DS puzzle title Meteos, and this XBLA off-shoot brings the same addictive gameplay to the Xbox 360 with a spin. From the feature list:

Planets galore: Defend over 20 planets, each with its own alien race, Meteos blocks, unique gravity effects, and visual and audio style.

Special techniques: Master four of the "Planet Impact" special attacks — Armageddon, Gambit, Sentinel, and Tempest.

Multiplayer action: Blast away your opponents over Xbox LIVE in Matchmaking Vs. Mode and become one of the best Meteos Wars players in the community. You can also go head-to-head with your friend in Local Vs. Mode.

New accessories: Collect various accessories for your aliens by clearing certain objectives. Accessorize your alien and give it some personality!

The original Meteos was a great game, so Meteos Wars likely won't disappoint for those looking for a fresh puzzle title for the 360—though the lack of touch control will make the game a little more clunky to control. Also joining Meteos Wars this week is Powerup Forever, a procedurally-generated, dual-stick shooter that spices up the tired genre's action with random levels, random enemies, and a flOw-like level system wherein your ship grows and evolves over time. Both games are now available on the Xbox Live Arcade for 800 Microsoft Points ($10) each.

Ben's thoughts

Hey, lack of touch control in Meteos means no more scribbling to cheat! I may pick this one up, and I have to admit that Powerup Forever sounds interesting.